Davie, Florida — While classrooms remain quiet for a few more days, Broward County school bus drivers are already hard at work preparing for the return of thousands of students. From reviewing bus routes to inspecting vehicles and learning new safety technology, drivers say they’re focused on making sure children have a safe and welcoming ride on the first day of school.
Officials say this year’s preparations also include new automated cameras designed to improve safety around stopped school buses.
Drivers Are Practicing Routes Before the First Day
Although students have not yet returned to campus, school bus drivers across Broward County are already taking practice runs to familiarize themselves with their assigned routes.
The preseason work includes reviewing pickup locations, checking bus stops, and planning travel times to help ensure students arrive safely and on schedule once the school year begins.
Drivers say those preparations are essential because every school year can bring route changes, new students, and updated traffic patterns.
For many children, the school bus marks the beginning of the school day, making drivers one of the first representatives of Broward County Public Schools they meet each morning.
Drivers Say Positive Attitudes Matter
School bus driver Susana Oyola said drivers understand they play an important role beyond transportation.
She explained that many students board the bus while still waking up, making it important for drivers to create a positive atmosphere from the start of the day.
According to Oyola, being friendly, patient, and encouraging helps students begin the school day on a positive note. Drivers say building trust with students and families is an important part of their daily responsibilities.
Safety Checks Begin Before Every Route
Before leaving the transportation yard, drivers perform thorough inspections of their buses.
Driver Ricardo Laspome said each inspection includes checking for vehicle damage, tire condition, windshield visibility, and fuel levels, along with making sure the bus is mechanically ready for service.
These routine inspections are designed to identify potential issues before buses head out to pick up students. Drivers say taking a few extra minutes to inspect each vehicle helps reduce the risk of unexpected problems during the school day.
New Cameras Aim to Protect Students
One of the biggest changes for the upcoming school year is the addition of automated enforcement cameras on Broward County school buses.
The cameras are designed to identify drivers who illegally pass stopped school buses while the stop arm is extended—a dangerous violation that can place children at serious risk as they board or exit the bus.
School bus driver Maria Clark said drivers do everything they can to warn approaching motorists before stopping, but dangerous situations still occur.
She emphasized that vehicles illegally passing stopped school buses remain a major safety concern for drivers across the district.
Officials hope the new camera technology will discourage those violations and encourage motorists to obey school bus safety laws.
Ready for Students’ Return
As summer break comes to an end, Broward County’s school transportation team says preparations are nearly complete.
With practiced routes, inspected buses, and new safety technology in place, drivers say they are ready to welcome students back and help ensure they arrive at school safely, on time, and with a positive start to the day.
The district expects buses to begin transporting thousands of students as soon as the new school year gets underway.
What do you think about Broward County’s new school bus safety cameras? Do you believe automated enforcement will help reduce dangerous passing violations? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
